BELLA
Bella tilted her head and glared at Victor’s wife. She was standing across from her with her arms folded and a look of satisfaction on her face that she hadn’t earned. One would think that she had found the Lindbergh baby.
“Well, okay, Mrs. Creed. Tell me who the woman is so that I can close my investigation.”
“I don’t know who she is. I had never seen the woman a day in my life until she kidnapped me.”
Bella looked over at Taylor who only shrugged. Taylor understood that the information that Rosemary Creed had just given Bella was almost useless. In fact, not only had she not helped her get any closer to closing the investigation into Collier’s death, but she’d just basically dropped another case in her lap. However, Bella did have to wonder if Rosemary’s encounter with human traffickers was somehow related to the three dead women in the basement.
After taking a few notes and telling Rosemary to stay in town, Bella prepared to leave. She had to get back to the station because she still needed to comb through hours and hours of video footage from every camera in the hospital.
Bella could feel the heat on the side of her face from Lucas’ intense gaze. He’d been staring at her since he returned to the room. The way her body was reacting to his presence was unnerving. Her skin tingled and her nipples hardened almost painfully when Lucas was close. From feet away, Bella could smell the masculine scent of oak and Egyptian musk that set Lucas apart from Victor’s scent of mint and power.
When Lucas left the den, she felt a sense of relief. But, surprisingly, she also felt a sense of loss. She hadn’t been so attracted to a man since Dean. Her body hadn’t reacted so strongly to a man’s presence since Dean either.
Bella tucked her notebook in her back pocket and walked over to Taylor. To most, she may have looked cool and confident. And, despite how hot and bothered Lucas was making her, Bella did her best to keep it that way.
“Is there someplace we can talk?” Bella asked.
Taylor nodded her head and walked toward the door. Bella followed her out of the den and into the hall. They walked down a hall that was way too big to be in an apartment until they reached a closed door.
“Dayyyum,” Bella crooned when they entered the massive bedroom.
If she were to be honest, Bella had never in her life seen a bedroom so beautiful. Everything from the walls to the carpet and comforter was white. But the crisp white was accented with very contrasting crimson accessories.
“Yeah, the other half,” Taylor quipped. “What’s up?”
Bella grabbed Taylor’s hand and led her to a white loveseat, adorned with crimson pillows. She pulled Taylor to sit with her and looked her in the eye.
“Are you okay?”
Taylor closed her eyes, fell back on the loveseat, and blew out a heavy breath. “No,” she admitted. “Bella, I amnotokay.”
Taylor opened her eyes. They were filled with moisture. Bella squeezed Taylor’s hand and pulled her head onto her shoulder. “Taylor, Victor loves you. That’s indisputable. That man loves you.”
Taylor used her free hand to wipe tears from her cheek. “I know he loves me, but…”
“But what?”
“He’s married to her. He says that they got married for appearances. Supposedly, to further his political career.”
“And? He’s governor now. He doesn’t need her. His approval rate has climbed considerably since he’s been with you.”
“Yeah, so, how’s he gonna spin the return of his dead wife and his engagement to me. If he divorces her and marries me, the press is going to demonize him.” Taylor hiccupped as more tears fell from her eyes.
“Taylor, why don’t you let him worry about that? I believe that the governor would move mountains to be with you. And I don’t doubt for one minute that he can handle the press.” Bella gave Taylor’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Trust your man, baby. I trust him. And you know that I don’t trust no damn body.”
Taylor chuckled and sat up straight. She wiped her eyes and nodded. “You’re right.” She sniffed. “Victor will take care of things. That’s what he does.”
Taylor got up from the loveseat and walked into the bathroom. Bella could hear running water. So, she assumed that Taylor was watching her face.
“So, what’s up with you and Lucas?” Taylor called out from the bathroom.
“What? Nothing. What do you mean?”
Taylor reentered the bedroom with the look of skepticism. “Cow, don’t play games with me. You are clearly into that man, and his eyes never left you.”
“Girl, please,” Bella scoffed. “I ain’t thinking about that man.”
